Arsenal join transfer race as Spaniard’s contract talks stall

Date: 23rd September 2012 at 10:21 am
Written by FFC News Desk | Comments Off

Metro, Arsenal are reportedly monitoring Athletico Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente, who is out of contract at the end of the season.

Arsene Wenger is keen to find a long term replacement for Robin van Persie and Llorente will certainly fit the bill, given that Olivier Giroud has struggled to adapt to the Premier League so far.

The Spanish striker is reportedly weighing up his transfer options and accepts that Bilbao may look to cash in on him in the January window to save them losing him on a free transfer next summer, which has alerted a number of clubs.

Llorente scored 30 goals in 53 games last season for Bilbao and it is believed that Arsenal will not be the only Premier League club in the transfer running with both Manchester City and Chelsea reportedly keeping tabs as Mancini looks to bring competition to the Etihad Stadium, while Di Matteo is keen to boost his striking options at the Bridge.